Penrod Arts Fair

Penrod is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis that supports the arts in central Indiana. Built on the belief that the arts can uplift the central Indiana community, Penrod’s mission is to support arts, cultural, and educational activities and institutions while cultivating, encouraging, and developing public interest in the arts. The organization supports a wide range of artistic expression across visual, performing, and literary arts.

Founded in 1967, Penrod has played a consistent role in strengthening the region’s cultural landscape. Since its inception, the organization has distributed more than $5.5 million in grants to deserving art and art-adjacent organizations creating an impact in central Indiana. These grants typically range from $500 to $50,000 and are awarded annually following a selection process early in the calendar year. In 2026, Penrod awarded more than $315K in grants to over 90 organizations throughout Central Indiana. Grants support organizations such as youth arts education programs, museums and theaters, cultural festivals and heritage groups, public art and placemaking, and other nonprofit organizations focused on expanding access to the arts.

Penrod accomplishes its mission through arts events held throughout the year, including its signature event, The Penrod Arts Fair. Known as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” the fair is held annually on the first Saturday following Labor Day on the Newfields campus. It is the largest single-day arts fair in the United States, featuring over 1,000 visual and performing artists and welcoming more than 20,000 attendees. Proceeds from ticket sales support Penrod’s grant program, while proceeds from art purchases go directly to the artists.

Additional events, including Evening with Penrod and Easel by Penrod, provide further opportunities for community engagement and philanthropic support. These events contribute to Penrod’s ability to fund arts, cultural, and educational programming throughout central Indiana. Through its events and grantmaking, Penrod continues to serve as a resource for organizations seeking to incorporate the arts into their work while expanding its impact across central Indiana.